'Lowdown' thieves stealing woodpiles

Police Chief Mike McGillen said a half-cord is believed to have been taken from a residence on Old Deerfield Road Jan. 5. The theft of a quarter-cord from a Raymond Road residence likely happened Jan. 7.

"In the 13 years that I have been here, I don't remember something like this happening before. We're talking hundreds of pounds of wood worth hundreds of dollars," McGillen said.

The chief said one neighbor on Old Deerfield Road reported seeing a gray pickup truck driven by a white man of medium build.

"The witness said that at the time, he just thought it was the homeowner's son loading up some wood, but it fits in the time line of when the homeowner was away and when the wood could have been stolen," McGillen said.

He added that if someone is stealing out of desperation to heat their own home, they should contact the town welfare department to get help.

"People in this town are great; they would all be willing to lend a hand," McGillen said.

The chief pointed out with the arrival of another cold snap, residents should be especially vigilant.

Selectmen Chairman Frederick Kelley said it seems likely the thief is selling the wood.

"If anyone is stealing wood, that is pretty lowdown; people have got to heat their homes, and the way the economy is today, it's tough," Kelley said. "Wood is very important. Lots of people here heat with wood; it's very important,"